Fred. Olsen's Bolette Returns After 16-Day Refit in Falmouth

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ flagship vessel, Bolette, has returned to service after completing a 16-day dry dock programme at APCL A&P Falmouth in Cornwall.

The ship entered the yard on January 18 for scheduled maintenance, technical inspections and upgrades, and resumed sailing in early February. Bolette restarted operations on February 8 with a 32-day roundtrip Caribbean cruise departing from Liverpool.

Second Bolette refit in Falmouth, as APCL Group work continues

The Falmouth visit marked Bolette’s second refit at APCL A&P Falmouth and continued Fred. Olsen’s use of the wider APCL Group for overhaul projects. Mike Spicer, Managing Director of APCL A&P Falmouth, said: “APCL A&P Falmouth was delighted to see Bolette return to our facility marking the seventh Fred. Olsen vessel to drydock across the APCL Group.”

Spicer also linked the contract to the local economy and training pipeline, saying: “Contracts such as these make a significant economic contribution to the prosperity of the South West and help to support our workforce and apprenticeship programme.”

Guest areas refreshed, with cabin bathroom renovations included

Much of the dry dock scope focused on guest-facing areas across multiple decks. Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines CEO Samantha Stimpson said: “We are delighted to welcome guests back on board Bolette to enjoy her refreshed spaces and enhanced onboard experiences following a successful dry dock period.”

Among the updates, The Observatory and The Ocean Bar received refreshed finishes, while new carpeting was installed in the main dining room. Fred. Olsen also revitalised passenger corridors and stairwells, targeting high-traffic areas for a renewed look and feel.

Work extended into accommodation areas, with more than 50 cabin bathrooms upgraded as part of the programme.

Dining redesign and venue upgrades tied to upcoming entertainment changes

Bolette’s specialty dining venue, Colours & Tastes, was fully redesigned during the yard period. The refreshed concept uses warm, neutral tones, new textural finishes and curated artwork selected to match the updated interior approach.

Fred. Olsen has also outlined changes planned for the dining offer in the venue. From 2026, Colours & Tastes is set to feature a rotating menu built around international themes, including grill, Italian and Asian-inspired dishes.

In entertainment spaces, the Neptune Lounge was upgraded to support Fred. Olsen’s partnership with RWS Global. The venue received new technical capabilities, including an LED wall and aerial performance structures intended to broaden the types of shows that can be staged on board. Brand-new theatre productions are scheduled to debut on Bolette starting in June 2024.

Technical work includes hull, tanks, stabilisers and propeller upgrades

Alongside guest-area work, APCL A&P Falmouth carried out technical tasks intended to maintain Bolette’s condition and operational performance. The programme included hull blasting and repainting, tank cleaning, and refurbishment work to the ship’s stabilisers and tender platforms.

Bolette also received more efficient propeller blades, a change Fred. Olsen linked to its environmental targets while supporting day-to-day operating efficiency.

350-person team completed the dry dock, including more than 40 apprentices

The refit was delivered by a team of about 350 people, including subcontractors working alongside yard personnel. More than 40 apprentices were involved in the project.

Liverpool departures: upcoming spring and early summer sailings

With Bolette back in service, Fred. Olsen has highlighted several Liverpool sailings scheduled for spring and early summer, with pricing and early-booking offers available for reservations made before March 11.

• 14-night Volcanic Vistas of the Azores & Madeira, departing April 14, with itinerary highlights including Azores and Madeira calls, hot pool bathing and Madeira wine experiences. Prices start from £1,599 per person, with £150 onboard spend per cabin for bookings made before March 11.
• 10-night Waterfalls & Fjords of Norway, departing May 27, featuring scenic cruising and outdoor activities such as hiking and kayaking, plus an opportunity to experience the Rauma Railway. Prices start from £1,549 per person, with £100 onboard spend per cabin for bookings made before March 11.
• 14-night River Cities of France, Spain and Portugal, departing June 6, with itinerary highlights including the Gironde, Douro and Tagus rivers, wine sampling in Bordeaux and Rioja, and Madeira’s Atlantic Festival. Prices start from £2,099 per person, with £150 onboard spend per cabin for bookings made before March 11.

The completion of Bolette’s latest Falmouth refit leaves Fred. Olsen focused on near-term onboard milestones, including the debut of new theatre productions in the Neptune Lounge in June 2024, alongside continued operation of the ship’s Liverpool-based programme through spring and early summer.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When did Bolette enter and leave dry dock?

Bolette entered APCL A&P Falmouth on January 18 for a 16-day dry dock and returned to service in early February, resuming sailing on February 8.

What improvements were made during Bolette’s dry dock?

Work included refreshed finishes in The Observatory and The Ocean Bar, new carpeting in the main dining room, refurbishment of guest corridors and stairwells, and renovations to more than 50 cabin bathrooms. Colours & Tastes was fully redesigned, and the Neptune Lounge received technical upgrades to support updated entertainment.

What changed in Bolette’s entertainment venues?

The Neptune Lounge was equipped with an LED wall and aerial performance structures as part of Fred. Olsen’s partnership with RWS Global. New theatre productions are scheduled to debut on Bolette from June 2024.

How was sustainability addressed during the refit?

Bolette received more efficient propeller blades, which Fred. Olsen linked to its environmental targets while supporting operating efficiency. The programme also included hull maintenance and tank cleaning as part of scheduled technical work.

What are some highlights of Bolette’s upcoming itineraries from Liverpool?

Fred. Olsen has pointed to a 14-night Azores and Madeira sailing departing April 14, a 10-night Norway fjords itinerary departing May 27 that includes the Rauma Railway, and a 14-night France, Spain and Portugal itinerary departing June 6 featuring river cruising and wine sampling in Bordeaux and Rioja.